Friday, February 29, 2008

St. Alphonsus205 Carrier N.E., near Leonard and Plainfieldheld in the school gymClick herefor map

Dates of visits: February 8 (take out), February 29 (eat-in)

Parking: parking lot or on street; somewhat challenging

Cost: $7.75 for adults

Wait: 15 minutes at around 6:15 p.m. for eating there; no wait for take out

Tables: had to sit at one of those annoying lunch tables with the seats attached, but the 8 of us were able to sit together

Gambling opportunities: 50/50 raffle

Highpoints:

wonderful walleye

baked potatoes

cudos for using reusable plates and cutlery

Coca Cola products (instead of the mystery fluids often served at these things)

servers' cool fish hats

It's so good that we had to go to St. Alphonsus twice. St. Al's is renown for its walleye, and rightfully so. It seems there's always a line, but they're so good at this that it moves quickly and everyone is friendly. It was no problem for the last two of us to get in line with the others, rather than going to the end of the queue. The servers wore stylish fish hats, which added to the festive atmosphere. There were the requisite number of kids running around, but we did not notice a priest in attendance.

Both the baked and fried fish were exceptional, with the baked ranked just a tad higher than the fried. Seemed the sweetness of the fish came through more with the baked. Reports are that the french fries were great, and I had no complaint with my baked potato; it was moist and thoroughly cooked.

We were able to enjoy the beverages we brought, but it wasn't as easy to pour them into cups as it was at St. Izzy's. Plus, the cups were those very flimsy paper ones. Environmentally more sound but not as sturdy as the guilt-inducing styrofoam. One of our party shared with us that a church in Caledonia has a keg at their fish dinner; we'll have to add that to the list for next year.

St. Al's school, as well as St. Isadore's, will close at the end of this school year. They and some other Catholic schools are consolidating, and a new school will be established at the current Blessed Sacrament school (which will be our final destination this year, since they serve on Good Friday). Artwork containing the theme of the school closing decorated the walls near where we sat. Some was rather poignant. It was nice, but no competition for the eyes of Jesus.

Cole slaw was available as a side dish, as were rolls. They were okay, but nothing to write home about. I was told that the desserts--mostly cakes and brownies--were good.

St. James733 Bridge N.W., just west of downtown.held in the (former school) gymClick here for map

Date of visit: February 15

Parking: parking lot or on street; somewhat challenging

Cost: $8.00 for adults

Wait: less than 10 minutes at 6:30

Tables: we were able to get a table for our entire group

Gambling opportunities: 50/50 raffle

Styrofoam plates and plastic cutlery

Highpoints:

redskin new potatos

free state highway maps, courtesy of Rep. Michael Sax

Maybe it's because we got there on the late side, but except for the redskins, which were quite good, the offerings were okay, but not extraordinary. Maybe it was because it was set up buffet style. The baked haddock was better than the fried, probably because baked fish survives swimming in a serving container better than fried, which was soggy and tired. The macaroni and cheese was scary.

The dinner was held in the gym of the now closed St. James Catholic School, and perhaps that was the reason it felt so lethargic. It just didn't feel like a "live" place.

St. Isadore625 Spring N.E., not far from I196 and Fuller.held in the school gymClick here for map

Date of visit: February 22

Parking: parking lot or on street, not a problem

Cost: $7.50 for adults

Wait: less than 10 minutes at 6:15

Tables: we were able to get a table for our entire group

Gambling opportunities: 50/50 raffle

Styrofoam plates and plastic cutlery

Highpoints:

fabulous macaroni and cheese

"Jesus' eyes are watching you" artwork on south wall

embroidered aprons for "fish fry 2008"

We were blown away by the incredible macaroni and cheese that accompanied St. Izzy's tasty, but unidentified, fish. We were told the mac and cheese was completely home made, and it tasted like it. Positively yummy; worth a return trip.

We got in line around 6:15, and it moved smoothly. The food was served at the kitchen window, rather than having a buffet. I think it helped immensely with quality control.

We also had no problem bringing our own beverages, although their attentive volunteers kept asking if they could fill up our coffee cups.

Extra points for St. Izzy's for having a priest in the kitchen cooking, some cool aprons for lenten fish fry 2008, and all-around pleasant atmosphere. Also, some extraordinary art work. I never knew Jesus had eyes like Timothy Leary.

Would we return: yes

Area for improvement: hardly any; French fries weren't too exciting, but still okay.